The City of Olive Branch has unveiled a new exhibit in the City Museum honoring the life of James Henry Taylor and the United States Army soldiers of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739.
James Henry Taylor was a resident of the City of Olive Branch and was one of 93 United States Army soldiers, 11 civilian crew members, and 3 Vietnamese nationals on board Flying Tiger Line Flight 739. On March 16, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 departed on a secret mission when it disappeared from radar between Guam and the Philippines or Saigon; launching the largest search ever made in the Pacific Ocean. After 8 days of searching, no wreckage has ever been recovered.
Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a part of a secret mission, so secret that all men were told they could bring nothing with them that identified them in any way. All wedding rings, pictures, dog tags, and other personal effects were all to be left at home. Little is known about the plane , its passengers, or its mission. Recently, many families, loved ones, and descendants of these heroes gathered in Columbia Falls, Maine, where national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) is based. A monument was dedicated to the men who were lost during this mission in Maine. A smaller replica of this monument is on display in the City Museum. The inscription on the stone reads:
Missing in action; Presumed dead. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 went missing on March 16, 1962, with 93 U.S. Army soldiers on board. These men and their flight crew perished in what would become one of the biggest aviation mysteries out of the Vietnam War era. The names of those who gave their lives and who remain missing are inscribed here so that they will be said aloud and their memory will live on.
On February 11, 2025, the Mississippi House of Representatives adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 32 recognizing and honoring the courageous life and extraordinary legacy of James Henry Taylor for his service during the Vietnam War.
It is our honor to recognize and honor the life and legacy of James Henry Taylor. All items displayed are on loan from the Taylor Family. This exhibit will be on display from now until after Veterans Day.
The City of Olive Branch Museum is open to the public. It is located on the first floor of City Hall and is open during business hours.
